Journal 9: American Food

Since the United States of America has only been around for 232 years, it makes sense that it doesn't have the same number of traditional dishes as some of your countries, which have been around for thousands of years.

Prompt: What is American food? If your friend said, "Let's go eat American," what would you think he meant? Are hamburgers the only traditional American food? What do you think about American food? Do you enjoy any of it? Do you hate all of it? You could compare or contrast it with your own food or describe the causes and effects of the American style of eating.

Due Friday, Feb. 25 by 10pm.

Yum yum,

Journal 8: Optimistic Quote

Often in college (and on the TOEFL and GMAT!) we have to respond to quotes. We will have a few journal entries where you can react to these. Here's the first one:

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

Prompt: What does this quote mean? Do you agree with it? How does it apply to your life? Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic? Give an example.

Due Wednesday, Feb 23rd. 10PM.

Note: A famous example of pessimism and optimism is the question, "Is the glass half empty or half full?"

"The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole",

Journal 7: Birds of a Feather

Some people say "birds of a feather flock together", and others say "opposites attract". When you look at your friends, which seems to be true for you?

Prompt: Compare your best friend (or friends) with yourself. How are you alike or different? You can compare any areas of your life - hobbies, beliefs, likes & dislikes, etc. If you're different, how can you be friends? Be sure to use the organization and unity strategies we've studied for Compare/Contrast essays.

Due Wednesday, Feb. 16th 10 PM

Note: "Birds of a feather flock together" is a very old saying which means people who are alike will hang out together and probably be close friends.


Your very different friend,

Journal 6: Getting Around

Vroom! Vroom! It has often been said that the USA has the best roads in the world. . . but the lousiest public transportation. What do you think?

Prompt: Write about how you get around here in America. Do you drive? Take the bus? Do you own a car? Do you want to own a car? How does Orange County's transportation system compare with your hometown?

Due Friday, Feb 11th by 10PM

Watch out for traffic jams,

Journal 5: Life's Soundtrack

Just like a movie our life has a soundtrack. We can't help but associate songs we hear with the memories we make. The song above, "Such Great Heights", is a song which I will always associate with my relationship with my wife, Lisa. Many of our friends have told us that the lyrics to this song really describe our relationship. (I also like this acoustic version, which is very pretty.)

Prompt: What is your favorite song (or one of your most favorite)? Or, what song is very significant to you? When did you first hear the song, and how has it described or affected your life?

Due: Wednesday, Feb 9 by 10PM.

Rock out!

Journal 4: Weather

It is often said that California has no weather. What people mean is that California does not have a lot of variety in its seasons. Actually, many people think we are lucky to live in Southern California, where the weather is usually mild and pleasant. Some people don't like sunny weather all of the time though. Personally, I really like hazy, foggy weather or the hours just before a storm.

Prompt: What is your favorite kind of weather? Why? How often can you enjoy this type of weather in your home country?

Due: Friday, February 4th by 10PM.

Note: Here are some words used to describe the weather.

Journal 3: Old Fears

The couple in this picture are obviously not afraid of heights! Personally, I am very scared of heights. There are lots of things which people are afraid of - insects, the dark, death, speaking in front of people, failing, being alone, and so on.

Prompt: Everyone has fears that must be overcome. What are some things you used to be afraid of? How did you get over those fears?

Don't forget to read and comment on at least two of your classmates' blogs.

Note: In English we can say: "face your fears" and "overcome fears". Try using these in your journal.

Due: Wednesday, Feb 2nd by 10PM.

"...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself..."
Franklin D. Roosevelt